It's really hard for me to believe that October is behind us already. Before we launch into the hassles and hurries of the holidays, I thought this might be a good time for a little pampering.

Here are sites to show you how it's done (and how to find the time to do it).

•  www.ivillage.com. Leave it to the good folks at iVillage to come up with some outstanding ways to pamper yourself. Once you're on the home page type "Pamper Yourself" into the search box; a number of choices will pop up. Some of their ideas are what you'd probably expect. Others might not come as quickly to mind. One of my favorites was the suggestion that you find a quiet cozy setting and give yourself the pleasure of a good book's company.

•  www.eatyourbest.com/livingwell.asp. Everything on this site will help energize you, but you'll for sure want to find the link to an article called "Pamper yourself to look and feel better." This short but sweet list may well be the key to a happier, prettier, perkier you.

•  www.makeup411.com. The title pretty much says it all. This site's all about makeup — who's wearing it, what they're wearing and how you can achieve the same look yourself. See hundreds of your favorite celebrities and find out exactly what products they use to glam up. Then visit the experts to learn to make their secrets work for you. And don't miss Ronnie Specter's guide to affordable alternatives to expensive products.

•  www.nailsplash.com/hints.html. This site specializes in the repair and decoration of nails, hands and feet. I was amazed at how much information is contained on this well-designed and easily navigated page. The site is intended for professionals or pros in training, but anyone with the time to spend can use the advice collected here to give themselves stronger, longer nails. And while the entire site is worth a read, the hints and tips section will start you off right. (This doesn't mean that going to a shop or spa and having them done for you isn't a treat to be kept on your "pampering me" list.)

• http://dmoz.org/Health/Beauty/Advice_and_Education. Here's a collection of links to commercial, private and just-for-fun sites aimed at reducing stress, adding beauty and pampering plans for the inside and outside. There are beauty secrets from around the world, tips for taking care of your favorite guy or gal and some great small sites with hints and tips for seniors, teens and others.

•  free.bluemountain.com/cdb/EVY/pamper.html. Here's a great card from the folks at Blue Mountain. If you have a friend who's been stressing lately, this card is a great way to show him or her you care. And what better pampering is there than the long hot bath the card recommends?

•  www.spawish.com. Treat yourself or someone special to a day of beauty with a SpaWish Gift Certificate. Good at nearly 1,000 spas and beauty clinics nationwide, the sure-to-be-appreciated gift cards are welcomed locally at Madelyn San Rangelo's Salon & Spa in Crestview Hills, Ky., and all locations of Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa and Identity Hair Salon & Spa. Choose a relaxing gift set for him, her or them and include your certificate; or have it sent simply in an elegant silver envelope. This would make a perfect gift for a bride-to-be (or groom), for your spouse, as an unexpected treat to have waiting at your vacation destination.

Jan Perry is a Kentucky-based freelance writer. When you're done pampering yourself, write to her at SiteSeer2K@aol.com with any questions, comments or suggestions.